United States to Deport Additional 18 Nigerians Over Criminal Convictions, Total Now 97
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced plans to deport an additional 18 Nigerian nationals convicted of various criminal offences, bringing the total number of Nigerians currently slated for removal from the country to 97.
The latest development follows an earlier report indicating that 79 Nigerians had already been listed for deportation by U.S. authorities. Updated records on the DHS website show that the additional 18 names were recently added to what officials describe as a “worst-of-the-worst” register of criminal offenders targeted for removal under ongoing immigration enforcement measures.
According to information released by U.S. authorities, many of the newly listed individuals were convicted of offences including wire fraud, mail fraud, identity theft, and other related crimes. These offences are among the most commonly cited in the updated deportation list and reflect broader efforts by U.S. law enforcement agencies to clamp down on financial crimes involving foreign nationals.
In a statement accompanying the updated records, the Department of Homeland Security said the arrests and planned deportations form part of a wider nationwide crackdown on criminal immigrants. The statement emphasised that the exercise is being carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and aligns with the administration’s broader immigration enforcement policies.
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“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is highlighting the worst of the worst criminal aliens arrested by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” the statement read. It further noted that under current leadership, enforcement agencies are carrying out mass deportations of convicted non-citizens, prioritising individuals with serious criminal records.
The DHS indicated that the enforcement operations are intended to enhance public safety and maintain the integrity of U.S. immigration laws. Authorities also reaffirmed their commitment to identifying and removing foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes, regardless of nationality.
Among the Nigerians listed in the most recent update are several individuals previously convicted and sentenced in U.S. courts. The list includes persons identified as Oluwaseyanu Akinola Afolabi, Olugbeminiyi Aderibigbe, Benjamin Ifebajo, Obinwanne Okeke, Kolawole Aminu, Oluwadamilola Olufunsho Ojo, Franklin Ibeabuchi, Alex Afolabi Ogunshakin, Joshua Ineh, Stephen Oseghale, Eghosa Obaretin, Adesina Surajudeen Lasisi, Ibrahim Ijaoba, Azeez Yinusa, Charles Akabuogu, Kelechi Umeh, Lotenna Chisom Umeadi, Donald Ehie, and Chukwudi Kingsley Kalu.
The inclusion of these individuals brings the cumulative number of Nigerians scheduled for deportation to 97, according to the updated DHS figures. Earlier reports had identified 79 Nigerians facing removal, many of whom had also been convicted of fraud-related offences and other criminal activities.
Immigration enforcement actions by U.S. authorities have continued to affect foreign nationals from multiple countries. Officials maintain that deportation proceedings typically follow the completion of prison sentences or other legal penalties imposed by U.S. courts. Once deported, individuals are usually barred from re-entering the United States for a specified period or permanently, depending on the nature of their convictions.
The development highlights ongoing collaboration between U.S. law enforcement and immigration authorities in addressing transnational crime and enforcing immigration regulations. It also reflects the broader policy direction of U.S. authorities in prioritising the removal of non-citizens convicted of serious offences.
While the deportations are part of routine immigration enforcement, the growing number of Nigerians listed has drawn attention to issues surrounding financial crimes and the legal consequences faced by foreign nationals residing abroad. Analysts note that such developments often carry diplomatic and social implications, particularly for countries whose citizens are affected.
As deportation proceedings move forward, affected individuals will be returned to Nigeria upon completion of legal and administrative processes. Authorities in both countries are expected to manage the logistical and procedural aspects of the removals in accordance with existing bilateral arrangements and international law.